IBF titleholder Joshua was ready to step in and fight the Ukrainian after his rematch with Tyson Fury was permanently called off.

While talks initially went well, news last week suggested Klitschko would instead opt to fight in Germany for the vacant WBA title.

That has now been ruled out too, and Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn is on the lookout for a new opponent for his fight at Manchester Arena.

Klitschko was left frustrated after Fury's pull-out

Kubrat Pulev and Joseph Parker were initially floated but talks have gone quiet, which could mean David Price now meets the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist on short notice in a match-up that is unlikely to excite fans.

Hearn told Sky Sports: "We've been in deep negotiations for a few weeks now waiting on the decision from the WBA.

"I was made aware that Wladimir picked up a minor injury late last week but regardless of that, with just over six weeks to go until December 10, it's unrealistic to put together a fight of this magnitude and give it the full build-up it deserves.

"There will be an official announcement on Joshua v Klitschko coming very soon, but for now we are seeking a new foe for December 10 and building a huge card for Manchester."